Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.radiojamaica.com/content/view/18840/75/
Concerns about hospital policy on swine flu
Friday, 12 June 2009
Questions are being raised about hospital policy in the treatment and diagnosis of possible swine flu cases.
Callers to RJR News expressed dismay with hospitals policy of sending persons with flu home with masks and an admonition to isolate themselves.
The complaint is that fear of stigma and discrimination may force persons with flu to refuse to wear the masks while out in public, thus spreading the virus.
RJR News sought answers from the administration of the major hospitals regarding the operational guidelines for persons who turn up with flu but queries were directed to the Ministry of Health.
In a release on Friday, Chief Medical Officer Dr Sheila Campbell-Forrester advised persons to isolate themselves if they develop symptoms so as not to infect other persons.
Dr. Campbell-Forrester pointed out that since the virus is now in Jamaica, every citizen must endeavour to protect themselves and look out for their neighbours.
According to Dr. Campbell-Forrester, even if the symptoms are mild, persons should still stay home.
However, she noted that if symptoms persist or get worse, individuals should contact their healthcare provider, the nearest health centre or hospital immediately.
[/]
Jamaica now has 12 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1), with one additional case confirmed today.
Persons seeking more information on the virus are being advised to call the Ministry of Health.[/B]
Concerns about hospital policy on swine flu
Friday, 12 June 2009
Questions are being raised about hospital policy in the treatment and diagnosis of possible swine flu cases.
Callers to RJR News expressed dismay with hospitals policy of sending persons with flu home with masks and an admonition to isolate themselves.
The complaint is that fear of stigma and discrimination may force persons with flu to refuse to wear the masks while out in public, thus spreading the virus.
RJR News sought answers from the administration of the major hospitals regarding the operational guidelines for persons who turn up with flu but queries were directed to the Ministry of Health.
In a release on Friday, Chief Medical Officer Dr Sheila Campbell-Forrester advised persons to isolate themselves if they develop symptoms so as not to infect other persons.
Dr. Campbell-Forrester pointed out that since the virus is now in Jamaica, every citizen must endeavour to protect themselves and look out for their neighbours.
According to Dr. Campbell-Forrester, even if the symptoms are mild, persons should still stay home.
However, she noted that if symptoms persist or get worse, individuals should contact their healthcare provider, the nearest health centre or hospital immediately.
[/]
Jamaica now has 12 confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1), with one additional case confirmed today.
Persons seeking more information on the virus are being advised to call the Ministry of Health.[/B]